Client Story: A Senior’s Fight for Safety Against Ongoing Threats

When our client’s safety was on the line, TLSC’s Crime Victims Litigation Team made the case—and won.  

My stepbrother has been in and out of prison five times. I really don't know him—I only met him when he got out of prison in 2018. He came to my house where I live with his father, my stepfather. He tried to throw me out and realized he couldn't because I own the property. He has a decades-long history of violence with six or seven assault charges against him. 

Three years ago, he got thrown in prison again for beating up a Somerville preacher. While he was in there, he sent threatening letters saying he's going to gut me alive and burn the house down with me in it. In January 2025, he sent two more threatening letters. He just recently got out of prison. If I'm in town, I could run into him easily because there's only three restaurants and a couple of convenience stores here. It ain't a very big town. 

Trying to find a way for my safety was challenging. My stepbrother is going to come after me. There's no doubt about it. I needed help getting a protective order. The county clerk said I wouldn’t be able to because my stepbrother didn't touch me. When I contacted the parole board about stopping my stepbrother's release, they gave me the links to TLSC's website.  

God knew I was in danger. He sent me an angel, and it turned out to be Barbra [a TLSC attorney].

God knew I was in danger. He sent me an angel, and it turned out to be Barbra [a TLSC attorney]. She helped me tremendously. Barbra really went the extra mile to help me. I don't think some attorneys would have done much as she did. She had a short period of time to do it too. She was on top of everything. 

The judge gave me a two-year protective order. Now I don't have to keep looking over my shoulder as badly as I used to. I still fear for my life, but not as much knowing that if he does try anything, he's going to go back to prison.  

I couldn't have done all this on my own. I couldn't find an attorney or anything. Thank God for Barbra and TLSC’s services. Y'all are lifesavers.  

-

Jack

Somerville, TX